How to Journal Through a Book (Plus Summer Reading Recommendations)

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It’s probably no surprise to you that I am an avid reader, averaging about one or two books a week. Not only do I read for fun, but I also get to read for work, editing and proofreading book manuscripts right before they get published.

I’m guessing that if you’re listening to this episode, you like to read, too. And I’ve learned that books can often prompt some powerful journaling sessions with God.

But how do you know which books to journal about and what to write?

Today, I’ve got 8 ideas to get you started, plus 10 book recommendations you might want to check out for yourself.

Why Journal Through a Book?

It doesn’t matter if it’s fiction or nonfiction, when we take the time to journal through what we are reading, we choose to reflect on what we are reading—to reject or accept it, to let it inspire us to change for the better, or to draw us closer to God.

In some cases, it helps us understand what we are reading. It’s easy to read something without truly knowing what it means, isn’t it? Also, it helps us connect with the book more deeply. We’re no longer disengaged readers, but ones who are participating in the materials, thinking about it and talking to it like a friend.

Now, does this mean you have to journal through every book you read? No. Especially if you read a lot like me or if you are reading more for pleasure. But I do encourage you to journal through the books that are meaningful to you, or to pull out your journal should something really connect with you.

Things to Write About

How do you do that? Some books, like mine, will have journal prompts or discussion questions for you to consider. This makes it rather easy to get started with journaling through a book.

But whether they offer such questions or not, here are eight other ways you can write about what you are reading.

Strong emotional reactions

Number one, anytime you experience strong emotional reactions to what you are reading, you should stop and take note. This could be a positive reaction or a negative reaction. For example, does your book stir up anger within you? If so, stop and consider why. Is it sparking joy? Again, think about why. Try to pinpoint the words or the situation that prompted these feelings within you.

Let me give you an example from my own life. Last night I was reading a book and came across this line: “Fear helps keep us safe.” It’s a line from a novel, not a non-fiction book. And it caught my attention. And I’ve been thinking about it. Because in one sense, fear does keep us safe. It prevents us from getting too close to fire or away from dangerous people. But I also know that God doesn’t want us to live in fear. So what does that mean? It prompts a conversation between me and God about my own beliefs about fear and its role in my life, and if there is anything I need to repent of or turn away from.

Beautiful words

Number two, sometimes we come across a beautiful passage. Words that touch our hearts and stir our souls. Write them down and then write about it. Why is it so beautiful to you? Why do you think it resonated with you in this season? Does it remind you of anything you’ve experienced yourself?

Something you disagree with

Number three, inevitably there will be things we disagree with in books. You can journal about those, as well. Write down key points and have a discussion with yourself or with God in your journal. Did a character do something you don’t agree with? Did an author make a claim that isn’t biblical? This is a great way to solidify our beliefs and values, to know these things more deeply.

Put words to something you’ve experienced

Number four, there are times when books put words to something you’ve experienced that you’ve not been able to express quite yet. Those are great words to linger with and write down.

I shared in episode 170 about a passage in Miss Buncle’s Book that I resonated with. It’s a quote I copied down in my journal, and it helps me feel not quite so alone in the way I respond in a certain situation. You can go back and listen to it, if you’d like, but she talks about how she has a hard time finding the right words, especially when the discussion at hand is important. And I just really resonate with that.

In essence, you can borrow these words from other people and make them your own. Again, it doesn’t matter if it’s fiction or nonfiction. Both can put words to things we’ve been unable to express ourselves.

Awaken hunger or desire

Number five, when we read books, there are times when certain desires or hungers are awakened within us. Something we may not have realized was there. Or something we may have pushed down. For example, maybe you have a love of dance, but never had the time or opportunity to learn how to dance properly. So you ignored it and focused on other things, like school or work or friends. But then you read a book about a dancer and that awakens in you that dream again. Pay attention to that.

Things that bring you to God

Number six, you can journal about things that bring you closer to God.  This might include an invitation you are sensing from Him as you read your book, or a truth you need to remember, or something you need to pray about.

There was a book I read recently that revealed some truth in my life. Because there was something I had experienced, but it wasn’t something I had acknowledged or named. And while it seems obvious, somehow I had missed it. And I sensed God inviting me to name that together with Him and let Him bring healing to that part of me by speaking the truth to me. That yes, that thing had happened, but that He loved me so very much anyway.

A character/person you relate to—and why

Number seven, if you are reading a novel or biography, chances are you will relate closely to one of the characters. Which one do you connect with the most, and why? Write about characteristics, personality traits, skills, life experiences, or whatever it is that makes you feel connected to that person. See what you can learn from that.                          

A character/person you are hesitant to come close to—and why

And number eight, also consider a character or person you are hesitant to come close to and why. Who repulses you? Who do you try to skip over? And, as much as you’re able, try to figure out why. Do they remind you of someone in real life? Might they even remind you of you in some way?

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General Tips for Journaling Through a Book

As you journal through a book, here are three tips to keep in mind:

First, be curious. Try not to judge whatever comes up for you, but keep an open mind and heart. Be willing to explore it and ask questions to help you understand.

Second, be honest. It does no good for us to journal if we aren’t willing to be honest with ourselves and with the Lord.

Third, consider keeping a quote journal. Simply writing down the passages that speak to you can be a simple way to journal through a book, even if you don’t take the time to dive deeper into it.

Summer Reading Recommendations

As I said at the beginning, I’m an avid reader, and I’d love to recommend some books to you if you’re feeling stuck or need some fresh ideas. There’s a good mix of fiction and nonfiction. I’m not going to share much about them here, but feel free to look them up and see if they would be a good fit for you.

(Links in the list below are Amazon affiliate links.)

Fiction

1. Sensible Shoes series, by Sharon Garlough Brown – This is a great series featuring four women who on a journey of spiritual formation.
2. The Spymistress, by Jennifer Chiaverini – If you like historical novels, this one is about a woman who serves as a spy during the Civil War.
3. Beauty, by Robin McKinley – This is a beautiful retelling of the story of Beauty and the Beast.
4. Miss Buncle’s Book, by D.E. Stevenson – This one is a lighthearted tale of a woman who secretly writes a book about the people in her community.
5. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip, by Sara Brunsvold – This book is a tale of two women, one older and one younger, who learn what it means to truly live. I really enjoyed the characters here.

Nonfiction

1. Helping Yourself Grow Old, by Frances Fuller – Through these honest and often humorous essays, Frances shares important truths she wanted to remember and live by as she grew older.
2. Invitation to Silence and Solitude, by Ruth Haley Barton – This is a book about leaning into God’s invitation to spend quiet time alone with Him and why that is so important.
3. Obedience, Suffering, & Reward, by Neil Broere – It’s an inspiring and convicting read about following God with everything we have.
4. Present Over Perfect, by Shauna Niequist – This is her story of trading the hustle and bustle of life for grace, love, stillness, and play.
5. Courageous Care, by Kari Bartkus – This is my own book about how to help others even when you’re afraid.

Prayer

God, I love that we can meet you on the pages of our journals even as we are reading books that spur our imaginations. Whatever kind of book we are reading, we pray that it would be honorable to You and that You would use it to prompt us to talk with You about what we are reading. What’s true? What’s a lie? What invitations do You have for us? What do You want to reveal to us? Keep our hearts and ears open to what You might have to say. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

RELATED EPISODES:

• Episode 137: 3 Easy Ways to Journal When You Don’t Know What to Write About
• Episode 153: Can 5 Minutes Journaling Really Make a Difference?
• Episode 61: Perceiving God’s Presence and Love with Spiritual Director and Author Sharon Garlough Brown
• Episode 172: Trusting God Through Obedience: A Conversation with Neil Broere

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